Traveling With Pets
Though no vacation is complete without the company of our pets, bringing our furry friends with us requires extensive planning. There are many things to consider when making your itinerary and packing your bags- so it can be useful to have a checklist of the things you and your pet will need. These needs will vary depending on the mode of transportation you'll use, where you're going, and what you're doing.
Safety First
No matter where you're going, there are some supplies that are useful on any trip with your pet. Identification tags, collars, and leashes are a necessary for almost any vacation location. Additionally, it's vital that you visit your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for travel. It's especially important if you're travelling abroad to ensure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date.
Accommodations
In addition to ensuring that your hotel will accommodate your pet, it's important that you locate the veterinary clinic or animal hospital closest to your hotel should the need arise. It can also be useful to look up other services such as dog walkers or dog sitters if you plan on visiting sites that don't allow pets. The AAA Petbook offers a list of dog parks and pet-friendly attractions throughout the US.
Traveling by Car
It's important that you have everything needed to make car travel safe and comfortable for your pet, whether this means installing a seat cover or a secure pet carrier. If you're traveling a long way, then it's also important to remember to never leave your pet unattended in the car on a warm day- as it could potentially cause heatstroke.
Traveling by Plane
Traveling by air can require very different preparations depending on both your particular pet and the airline you use. Small pets are sometimes allowed in the passenger cabin and service animals are allowed to fly in the cabin of all US airlines. In any event, it's important to ensure that your pet is safe and calm. This can require grooming, like clipping nails, and using calming solutions to prevent self-injury during the trip.
Stress/Anxiety Solutions
Traveling can be a very stressful experience for a pet. Unfamiliar people and places can often feel threatening. Make your pet feel at home with pheromone solutions like Adaptil or Feliway. You can also find treats and supplements that have a calming effect for times when spraying your pet's surroundings is not an option.
Toys and Entertainment
Going on a trip provides the perfect opportunity to bond with your pet. When visiting parks or other pet friendly locations, you'll want to have your pet's favorite toys on-hand. Toys and treats are also great for ensuring that your pet behaves while visiting crowded areas and work to keep your pet occupied.
Other Basic Necessities
It's important to remember the essentials necessary for providing your pet with basic care. Bringing enough food and water for your pet, bowls to administer them, and tools to help clean up your pet's waste are essential for any trip. It's also important to have leashes, collars, or pet carriers to keep your pet right at your side. See All Travel & Outdoors Products.
Knowledge is Power
Learn about the dangers of an area before exposing your pet to them. Different areas have different pests that can endanger your pet. If you're visiting an area where snakes are present- it can be useful to vaccinate your pet against that snake's venom. It can also be a good idea to ensure that your pet is protected from insects by using the appropriate preventives.
